Learning the fundamentals of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is a requirement that every recruit aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego must complete before they earn their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

MCMAP is a program developed by the Marine Corps that combines hand-to-hand and close quarter combat techniques. It also includes instruction in mental and physical discipline to prepare them for a combat situation.

Recruits are taught these techniques as self-defense and also to instill a combat mindset through discipline.

“Recruit training is all about building up recruits into Marines,” said Sgt. Chris Thompson, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1047. “Ever since Phase One, the recruits learned each technique of tan belt, which is the fundamentals of fighting. This just brings them one step closer to becoming a Marine.”

After a two-on-one match up, recruits faced off one-on-one until a kill strike was received or a fighter fell off their platform. The platform is only a couple feet wide and forces recruits to engage one another head on. The floor on both sides are cushioned to prevent injuries.

From an outside perspective the exercise could seem barbaric and without purpose, but that was not the case and both drill instructor and recruit would argue different.